In 1980 a group of citizens joined together when they saw a need to assist the hungry and disadvantaged in our community. They formed a non-profit organization called Chicopee Emergency Food & Fuel.
The soup kitchen was added in 1990 and renamed to honor Lorraine Houle, the kitchen’s first and only director.
Over the years we have grown into an active source of food and general assistance to our needy neighbors by providing over 30,000 evening meals per year and assisting with emergency take-home supplies to an additional 1,200 families.
In addition to meal and food pantry services five days a week, the agency hosts a Christmas dinner with free gifts for children, and provides a free health clinic with visiting nurses once a month. Along with the above, we provide social services on a regular basis.
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